Researchers: Bleach is best at killing noroviruses

QUEBEC CITY, QC, Canada — A new study released by Laval University notes that as many as 40 percent of commercial disinfectants may be ineffective in killing viruses that cause gastroenteritis, according to CBC News.

During the study, researchers compared the efficacy of bleach-based products, alcohol-based cleansers and quaternary ammonium-based disinfectants in combating noroviruses, the story stated.

According to the study, which was published in the Journal of Food Protection, the bleach-based products proved the most successful in lowering the concentration of the viruses.

Lead researcher Julie Jean said: "Our results are of particular concern considering that some 40 percent of the commercial surface disinfectants on the market are alcohol- or ammonium-based."

The alcohol- and ammonium-based products tested were 100 times less effective in killing noroviruses than their bleach-based counterparts, the story noted.

The researchers said it only takes 10 minutes for noroviruses to firmly attach to surfaces, and once attached, the viruses can survive for weeks and have the potential to infect anyone who comes in contact with the surface, the story added.